Start your day with a truly comforting meal! This breakfast casserole is incredibly easy to make and bursting with delicious flavors. It is perfect for feeding a crowd at a weekend brunch or for convenient meal prep throughout your busy week. Get ready to discover your new favorite savory breakfast bake with this simple, step-by-step guide.
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole
- Effortless Preparation: You will enjoy minimal fuss from start to finish.
- Ultimate Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble it the night before for a stress-free morning.
- Customizable Goodness: Easily swap ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
- Hearty and Satisfying: This dish will keep you full and happy for hours.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or a simple family breakfast.
Ingredients
Gather these simple items to create a truly delicious breakfast casserole. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building rich, savory flavors.
- 2 pounds pork sausage
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream (light or regular) (240 g)
- 1/4 cup milk (60 ml)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 green onions
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200 g)
Notes & Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Feel free to use ground turkey, diced ham, crumbled bacon, or a vegetarian sausage alternative.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack, Swiss, Gruyere, or a blend of your favorite cheeses work beautifully in this savory bake.
- Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms, fresh spinach, shredded zucchini, or cooked diced potatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Dairy: For a richer dish, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk.
- Flavor Boosters: A dash of garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the overall taste.
Equipment
You likely have most of these essential tools already in your kitchen. They make preparing this simple egg casserole a breeze.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: A standard size for family meals.
- Large skillet: Essential for browning the meat.
- Large mixing bowl: For combining the egg mixture.
- Whisk or electric mixer: To thoroughly blend the eggs.
- Cutting board and knife: For prepping fresh vegetables.
Instructions
Making this savory breakfast bake is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect breakfast casserole every time.
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Use an electric mixer on low speed or a whisk, mixing just until everything is combined and uniform. Be careful not to overmix the eggs.
- Brown Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork sausage and cook until it is thoroughly browned, breaking it into small, even pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Drain Grease: Carefully drain most of the excess grease from the cooked sausage. This step helps prevent a greasy final dish. Transfer the browned sausage to the bowl containing the egg mixture.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and chopped green onions to the same skillet where you cooked the sausage. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to soften slightly.
- Add to Egg Mixture: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the large bowl with the egg and sausage mixture. Stir everything gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the entire combined mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-50 minutes. The casserole is ready when the edges are set and lightly golden, and the center is just barely jiggly.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set completely, making for easier serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the egg mixture just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tougher, less tender texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Overbaking leads to dry, rubbery eggs.
- Pre-Cook Meats and Veggies: Always cook meats thoroughly and sauté most vegetables until tender-crisp before adding to the egg mixture. This prevents a watery casserole.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper. Taste as you go, and adjust seasoning for optimal flavor.
- Adjust Baking Time: Deeper pans might require a longer baking time. Use a thermometer; it should register 160°F (71°C). To ensure food safety, the USDA recommends that egg dishes like this casserole reach a safe minimum internal temperature for egg dishes.
- Fresh Shredded Cheese: Using freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
- Serve generous slices with a dollop of fresh salsa or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Offer a vibrant, fresh fruit salad on the side to complement the savory flavors.
- Pair with warm toast, flaky biscuits, or a side of crispy hash browns for a complete meal.
- Garnish with extra chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Once cooled completely, store any leftover egg casserole in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and taste. For optimal food safety and freshness, it’s important to follow safe storage guidelines for leftovers.
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave until warmed through for quick meals.
Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions
- Make Ahead: Assemble the unbaked casserole the night before. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed the next morning.
- Freezing Unbaked: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Freezing Baked: Bake and cool the casserole completely. Cut into individual servings, wrap each piece, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen.
Recipe Variations
- Potatoes or Bread: Add a layer of cooked hash browns or cubed bread to the bottom of the baking dish for added bulk.
- Different Meats: Experiment with diced ham, crispy bacon, or even shredded chicken for unique flavors.
- Cheese Blends: Combine Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or provolone for a gooey, cheesy experience.
- Vegetable Medley: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Add finely diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of chili powder for heat.
Breakfast Casserole Nutrition
This delightful breakfast casserole provides a significant amount of protein per serving, making it a satisfying start to your day. It also offers a good source of essential vitamins and minerals from the eggs, dairy, and vegetables. Nutritional value will naturally vary based on your choice of specific ingredients and portion sizes. Consider healthy substitutions, like lean ground turkey or reduced-fat cheese, to adjust for various dietary needs.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Carbs | 5-10g |
| Sodium | 600-700mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I add potatoes or bread to this casserole?
Yes, you can absolutely add a layer of cooked hash browns or cubed bread to the bottom of the pan before adding the egg mixture. This creates a heartier breakfast casserole.
- How do I prevent my casserole from being watery?
Ensure you thoroughly drain all excess grease from the meat and properly sauté vegetables to remove their moisture before mixing them into the eggs. This step is key for a firm texture.
- Can I use other types of meat besides pork sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles are excellent alternatives and will change the flavor profile nicely.
- Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by using dairy-free milk, sour cream, and shredded cheese alternatives. The texture will remain similar, and it will still be delicious.
- What’s the best way to tell if it’s cooked through?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center should have just a slight jiggle. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Can I make individual servings in muffin tins?
Yes, this is a great idea for portion control and quick grab-and-go meals! Simply grease muffin tins and reduce the baking time significantly, checking for doneness after about 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion
This easy breakfast casserole truly delivers on simplicity and delicious flavor, making busy mornings or special brunches a breeze. Its versatility means you can effortlessly adapt it to suit any taste or dietary preference. We encourage you to try this amazing recipe and make it your own family favorite! Share your culinary creations and favorite variations with us.